As we enjoy the full spring season in San Francisco, the city feels more and more alive with many events and cultural happenings. It’s May, so it’s the San Francisco Carnival and Parade Month and also the beginning of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Here’s the list of San Francisco Events in May 2025 to get you ready for the month ahead:
San Francisco International Arts Festival
When: April 30th – May 11th
Where: Mission District
More info
Featuring over 100 performances across 12 days, the festival showcases a diverse array of disciplines, including dance, music, theater, spoken word, and visual arts, with artists hailing from the Bay Area and around the world. A highlight of this year’s festival is the world premiere of Tríptico, a flamenco-contemporary dance fusion led by Carola Zertuche, set to close the event on May 11 at Dance Mission Theater.
Chow Fun SF
When: May 7 – 18
Where: Excelsior & Outer Mission
More info
A week-long culinary festival is coming to San Francisco! Starting May 8, you can explore local cafes, bakeries, bars, and restaurants serving bold flavors from Hawaii, China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and more.
2025 Slavic Festival
When: May 2 – 3
Where: 2460 Sutter Street, San Francisco
More info & tickets
You’ll enjoy Slavic traditions and culture with live performances, food, drink, and crafts. Whether you have Slavic roots or simply appreciate the culture, this family-friendly event is perfect for everyone. You can watch over 20 live performances, sample iconic Slavic food like goulash, qistibi, and piroshki, and shop unique handmade crafts and gifts from craft vendors.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
When: May 10 – October 2025
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens
More info
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 with over 100 free outdoor performances from May through October in downtown San Francisco. There will be free outdoor music performances, dance classes, children’s activities, theater, and poetry events. The festival kicks off on May 10th, 2025, with a Grammy-winning La Santa Cecilia performance.
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
When: May 10, 2025
Where: Union Square, San Francisco
More info
West Coast’s largest Taiwanese American celebration is back and in person on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in San Francisco’s Union Square! Come and discover Taiwanese culture, food, entertainment, activities, and more.
Bay to Breakers
When: May 18
Where: San Francisco
More info
The 2025 Bay to Breakers race is set for Sunday, May 18, continuing San Francisco’s storied tradition that began in 1912. Renowned for its festive atmosphere, Bay to Breakers attracts a diverse crowd, from elite runners to costumed revelers. Expect to see everything from superheroes to whimsical ensembles embodying the event’s fun and community spirit. With over 20,000 participants and more than 100,000 spectators, the race is a true celebration of San Francisco’s unique culture.
San Francisco Carnival Festival & Parade
When: May 24 – 25
Where: Mission District
More info
A true city tradition, San Francisco Carnaval takes place every year on the Memorial Day weekend. The carnival and festival theme for 2025 is “AfroMundo: African Diaspora in the Americas,” celebrating the cultural legacy of the African diaspora through music, dance, and song. The Grand Parade on Sunday, May 25th, starts at 9:30 a.m. on the corner of 24th and Bryant streets.
San Francisco Documentary Film Festival
When: May 29 – June 8
Where: Roxie Cinema
More info & tickets
The 24th edition of the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival will take place from May 29 to June 8, 2025, at the historic Roxie Cinema in San Francisco’s Mission District. The festival will showcase a wide array of documentary films, some of them unconventional and thought-provoking!
Around the city:
Bodega Bay’s Fisherman’s Festival
When: May 3 – 4
Where: Bodega Bay
More info & tickets
This cherished coastal tradition celebrates the local fishing community and supports over 20 nonprofit organizations through its proceeds. Festival highlights include the Blessing of the Fleet, where decorated boats receive a ceremonial send-off, the whimsical Parade of Pets, and the Wooden Boat Challenge, where teams build and race handmade vessels. Attendees can enjoy live music, local seafood, wine and beer tastings, artisan booths, and family-friendly activities. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day.
Mill Valley Music Festival
When: May 10 – 11
Where: Mill Valley
More info & tickets
Mill Valley Music Festival is more than just a two-day celebration of live music, art, and community—it reflects Mill Valley’s rich cultural legacy and its lasting impact on the greater Bay Area arts scene. Beyond the music, you can enjoy local food vendors, artisan markets, immersive art installations, and a dedicated Kids Village.
Hawaiian May Day Festival
When: May 10 – 11
Where: Downtown Hayward | B Street, Hayward
More info
Hawaiian May Day Festival is a family-friendly, free event in East Bay, hosted by the Kumu Hula Association of Northern California, a non-profit dedicated to perpetuating Native Hawaiian and Polynesian culture through arts, language, music, and dancing. Discover traditional food, music, hula performances, and art and crafts vendors.
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